Category: News

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, April 16, 2026 – Middle East conflict has elevated strategic energy security priorities as countries seek supply diversification, international shale exploration can play a key role in meeting those goals, according to new research from Wood Mackenzie, titled “A hydrocarbon copy: the upstream industry’s return to international shale exploration”.

Six countries are advancing unconventional resource development to help address energy security objectives. Algeria leads for European supply diversification, while the UAE, Mexico, Australia, Türkiye, and Indonesia pursue domestic energy strategies through international partnerships and technology deployment.

Algeria’s proximity to European market

Algeria hosts vast reserves, and the Lower Silurian shale offers piped export potential. ExxonMobil and Chevron have exploration partnerships, though oilfield service bottlenecks require resolution.

Five additional countries target energy independence:

• UAE – Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is moving toward final investment decisions for unconventional gas supporting a 2030 self-sufficiency target. Drilling could exceed 300 wells per year.
• Mexico – Pemex set 2030 shale gas and tight oil targets amid US trade tensions.
• Australia –The Northern Territory Beetaloo gas project targets LNG backfill and east-coast market supply.
• Türkiye – Continental is working in the Diyarbakır and Thrace basins and advancing exploration at an accelerated pace compared to other companies’ earlier efforts.
• Indonesia – Regulators seek US participation in Sumatra basin tight oil. Targets include lacustrine sediments, once thought too challenging but proven viable by the Uinta basin in the US.

From Permian concentration to global re-engagement

A mix of subsurface and regulatory challenges slowed international shale progress in the 2010s, but the evolving Permian opportunity proved decisive. Companies ended global shale exploration and pivoted to West Texas for lower-risk, lower-cost growth.

Eight companies that once led global shale exploration—ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Marathon, EOG, and APA—spent $230 billion acquiring and developing Permian positions between 2012 and 2025. Breakevens were driven down by more efficient operations and dramatically improved well recoveries, positioning the Permian lower on the global cost curve

US Lower 48 growth is slowing now though, and companies are looking elsewhere to leverage their unconventional skillsets.

A high-graded global search

Global shale exploration last decade also suffered from a lack of focus. Companies are now evaluating approximately 20 high-graded plays, compared with over 100 assessed last decade.

“Explorers know the countries to avoid,” said Robert Clarke, Vice President, Upstream Research at Wood Mackenzie. “Bans on hydraulic fracturing or unworkable fiscal terms will make certain projects impossible. Companies also have a better understanding of supply-chain risks, such as red tape that restricts the import of critical drilling and completion equipment.”

Two US shale specialists have made concrete moves. Continental Resources entered Argentina’s Vaca Muerta through multiple deals and formed an unconventional joint venture with Türkiye’s state oil company. EOG Resources made unconventional entries into Bahrain and the UAE. Some plays being studied are assets EOG evaluated during the first wave of global shale exploration. Majors, international oil companies and national oil companies are all participating.

Proof of scale and requirements for success

Argentina’s Vaca Muerta and Saudi Arabia’s Jafurah demonstrate achievable scale in plays outside North America. Combined, the projects will produce more than 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the next decade and absorb $250 billion in future capital expenditure. Jafurah and Vaca Muerta prove that public companies, private investors and national oil companies can all participate.

“Countries seeking to commercialize projects must customize fiscal arrangements, terms for work programs and licensing,” said Josh Dixon, Senior Research Analyst at Wood Mackenzie. “Where there is alignment with national interest and the will to make these projects succeed, incentives for investment will follow.”

“The greatest advantage for global shale 2.0 is that there is no new US play on the scale of the Permian Basin to compete for future short cycle capital,” said Robert Clarke. “US shale drove growth over two decades nearly equivalent to the next ten countries combined—that’s the scale energy-thirsty economies abroad want to replicate. Technology has pushed costs down across all US shale basins. Where host governments align unconventional development with national energy security and provide fast regulatory timelines, investment and expertise will follow.”

Even brief exposure to the insecticide used in mosquito repellents can significantly impair bumblebees’ ability to find their way back to the nest. The bumblebees’ ability to navigate back to the nest is vital to the survival of the entire colony.

In the summer, many people turn to mosquito repellents to reduce the insects’ buzzing and bites. One solution that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the Thermacell device, which releases vaporized, pyrethroid-based insecticide prallethrin into the air. There has been much discussion in recent years about the effects of this substance on nature and pollinators in particular, but research data has been limited.

Researchers from the University of Turku and University of Oulu in Finland studied how prallethrin impacts bumblebees’ behaviour. The results of the study show that even a brief exposure to the insecticide can significantly impair bumblebees’ ability to find their way back to the nest.

“For bumblebees, returning to the nest is no small matter, on the contrary, it is essential to the survival of the entire colony. If the workers cannot find their way back, the nest will not get any food,” says Senior Research Fellow Olli Loukola from the University of Turku.

Impact on navigation was clear, but exposure did not increase mortality

The researchers studied the behaviour of 167 buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris). They were exposed to prallethrin for one, ten or twenty minutes with a repellent device meant for consumer use, after which the bumblebees were released a kilometre from their nest and their return was monitored for three days.

The results were clear. Of the bumblebees in the control group that were not exposed to prallethrin, 37% returned to the nest. The return percent of the bumblebees that were exposed to prallethrin for one minute did not differ from that of the control group. However, of the bees that were exposed for ten minutes, only 17% found their way back, and just 5% of the bumblebees that were exposed to the insecticide for twenty minutes returned to the nest.

For those individuals that managed to return, the time taken to do so was not prolonged. Furthermore, laboratory tests showed that exposure did not increase bumblebee mortality, suggesting that the effect is specifically related to impaired navigation ability rather than direct toxicity.

“Bumblebee colonies depend on workers collecting food, so if they cannot find their way back to the nest, the colony’s ability to obtain nutrition deteriorates. Over time, this can weaken the nest, reduce the number of new queens and, in the worst-case scenario, result in the death of the entire colony,” says Researcher Kimmo Kaakinen from the University of Turku.

Researchers recommend reassessing the ecological safety of mosquito repellents

In Finland, the use of Thermacell devices is permitted, but their use is restricted to the immediate vicinity of residential buildings, such as yards and patios. The devices must not be used indoors or in natural environments, such as forests or national parks.

“Prallethrin-based repellents are used in many countries primarily for convenience. In some situations, their use may be justified, for example, in the prevention of diseases spread by mosquitoes,” says Kaakinen.

According to the researchers, it is important to conduct a more detailed assessment of the effects of household insecticides on pollinators. They state that the study’s findings highlight the need to reassess the ecological safety of these products.

The research was conducted in collaboration between the University of Turku and the University of Oulu and the research article was published in the journal Biology Letters.
Read the research article: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2025.0749

Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi from Odisha’s Ganjam district has made history by becoming the first woman officer in India to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to a state Governor, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the Armed Forces.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/Defence_Squad_ 

Her appointment as ADC to the Governor of Mizoram reflects a breaking of long-standing barriers in military protocol roles, traditionally held by male officers, and highlights the growing inclusion of women in key leadership responsibilities within the defence services.

The historic moment gained further visibility when she participated in the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on January 3, 2025, symbolising her active role in high-level constitutional and ceremonial duties.

Selected from a Ministry of Defence shortlist, she took charge of the ADC position in Aizawl on November 29, 2023, after being chosen over other eligible officers, underscoring her professional capability and merit-based selection.

Hailing from Berhampur in Ganjam district, Squadron Leader Padhi comes from a defence-oriented family. Her father, a retired Honorary Flying Officer, played an important role in inspiring her journey towards the armed forces.

She completed her engineering education at C.V. Raman College of Engineering in Bhubaneswar before joining the Indian Air Force after clearing the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). Commissioned in December 2015 under the 46 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course, she specialised as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC), a role that demands precision, discipline, and quick decision-making.

Her journey from a small town in Odisha to a prestigious ceremonial and operational role in the Air Force stands as an example of growing opportunities for women in uniformed services and the evolving face of leadership in India’s armed forces.

Chandigarh, April 16: As Bengal ushers in Poila Boishakh, homes fill with hope, warmth, and the joy of new beginnings. It’s a time to pause, reconnect with loved ones, and welcome the year ahead with optimism. An intrinsic part of Bengali households and celebrations, chai brings people together everyday, and in a culture known for its discerning tastes, Tata Tea Gold has become Bengalis’ favourite tea, with its rich taste and irresistible aroma.

Deeply embedded in Bengal’s cultural fabric, the brand has celebrated its joyous spirit over the years, from the artistry of Durga Puja to the everyday rituals that define the region.

This Poila Boishakh, Tata Tea Gold wishes everyone a year filled with warmth, togetherness, and many golden moments. May every day of the new year begin on a truly golden note.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): A high-level secretaries’ review meeting was held on Wednesday at Kharavel Bhavan, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, to assess departmental performance for March, review ongoing governance initiatives, and strengthen digital monitoring systems through the ‘Uplabdhi Portal’.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/_anugarg 

The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with senior officials including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners, and departmental Secretaries. Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan joined virtually and presented a detailed update, while IAS probationers of the 2024 Odisha cadre batch participated as part of their administrative training exposure.

At the outset, the Chief Secretary reviewed key departmental achievements recorded in March and evaluated progress across sectors through performance-based indicators. She stressed the importance of real-time monitoring and data-driven governance using the ‘Uplabdhi Portal’ to improve accountability and efficiency in implementation.

She appreciated the Skill Development and Technical Education Department for Odisha’s strong performance in the India Skills 2025–26 competition and commended officials for the successful completion of the “Ganati-Manati” exercise related to the Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple.

The meeting also reviewed the citizen outreach programme “Ame Janiba Ama Budget,” aimed at enhancing public awareness of budget provisions. It was decided to continue and further strengthen such initiatives. The Finance Department and Information & Public Relations Department were acknowledged for effectively taking budget-related information to the grassroots level.

Officials informed that participation on the i-GOT Karmayogi Bharat platform under the “Sadhana Saptaha” initiative has increased from 95 per cent to 98 per cent. The Chief Secretary appreciated the Gopabandhu Administrative Academy for its role in improving training participation across departments.

The Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture was also praised for the successful statewide observance of “Odia Pakhya,” along with other departments that contributed to its smooth execution.

The meeting concluded with directions to further strengthen digital governance, improve inter-departmental coordination, and enhance performance tracking through the Uplabdhi Portal to ensure more efficient service delivery across the state administration.

New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): The Government of India has stepped up efforts to expand access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as part of a broader strategy to promote cleaner energy usage and reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Under the ongoing expansion programme, around 4.40 lakh PNG connections have been commissioned since March 2026. In addition, nearly 4.88 lakh new consumers have registered for PNG connections, reflecting strong and growing adoption across regions.

The rapid scale-up is being supported by a structured policy framework aimed at improving execution efficiency and accelerating infrastructure rollout under the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.

A key enabler of this progress is the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, which introduces time-bound guidelines for infrastructure development and streamlines implementation across authorised geographical areas.

Officials noted that the initiative is part of India’s long-term clean energy transition strategy, aimed at improving household access to cleaner fuel alternatives while strengthening the country’s energy distribution network.

The continued expansion of PNG infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in reducing dependence on more polluting fuels and supporting India’s broader environmental and energy security goals.

Apr 15 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon people to adopt nine collective pledges focused on building a healthier, cleaner, and more developed India, while addressing a public gathering in Mandya, Karnataka.

He said the initiatives are aimed at supporting the vision of a “developed Karnataka and a developed India,” with emphasis on individual responsibility and community participation.

Among the key pledges, the Prime Minister highlighted water conservation and efficient water management as a top priority. He also urged people to actively participate in tree plantation under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Modi further stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public and religious places, promoting local products through the “Vocal for Local” initiative, and encouraging domestic tourism.

He also called for the adoption of natural and chemical-free farming practices, increased consumption of nutritious millets, and reduced use of cooking oil to promote better health.

In addition, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to embrace yoga, fitness, and community service as part of their daily lives.

The appeal, he said, is aimed at building a more responsible society that contributes actively to national development while protecting nature and improving public health.